South Iceland

The Region at a Glace

• Main road: Route 1/Ring Road runs through the region
• Major touring routes: Golden Circle and South Coast
• Towns and villages: Selfoss, Hveragerði, Vík, Höfn, and many more
• National parks: Þingvellir and Vatnajökull
• Offshore destination: Vestmannaeyjar/Westman Islands
• Highland areas: Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar
• Travel season: Year-round on principal routes; Highland access is seasonal
• Good to know: South Iceland covers substantially more than the South Coast

What Makes South Iceland Different?

South Iceland lies across one of Iceland’s most geologically active regions, where volcanic systems, geothermal areas and major glaciers exist within relatively short distances. Glacial rivers and repeated flooding have also shaped the broad plains that stretch across parts of the southern coastline.

Those landscapes have influenced where communities developed and how people travel through the region today. Rather than one large city, South Iceland is made up of smaller farming, fishing and service towns linked mainly by Route 1.

The Ring Road forms the main east-west route, while the Golden Circle, Westman Islands and Highlands require detours away from it. That geography is one reason distances can be deceptive: places may appear close on a map while still requiring significant travel time.

It also creates one of South Iceland’s defining characteristics. In a single journey, travellers can move from geothermal farmland and waterfalls to black-sand coastline and the edge of Vatnajökull.

These are only a few examples of the interesting sites that can be found all over South Iceland.

Nature, History, and Life in South Iceland

Long before it became a scenic drive, South Iceland shaped how Iceland was governed and farmed. Þingvellir held Iceland's first parliament, the Alþingi, founded in 930. Its UNESCO World Heritage site status reflects that founding moment.

That same land also grew Iceland's food. Hveragerði sits on active geothermal fields, which locals use to run hundreds of greenhouses year-round. Farms here grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers despite the short summer and long winter darkness, while Flúðir, a short drive away, uses the same heat to grow mushrooms at a similar scale.

While farms grew inland, the coast built its living from the sea. Fishing still supports towns like Höfn and the Vestmannaeyjar islands, where harbors stay active today and much of the local economy continues to depend on fishing.

Heimaey's 1973 eruption forced the evacuation of the entire town and buried part of it under lava. Locals rebuilt afterwards, and that history is now preserved at the Eldheimar museum. Heimaey isn't the only place shaped by living so close to volcanic forces. Vatnajökull National Park holds the same UNESCO World Heritage status as Þingvellir, and communities near the park have long adapted their lives around its glaciers and the volcanic activity beneath them.

This connection between people and land goes back even further, into Iceland's old written stories. Some places in South Iceland appear in the Icelandic sagas, including sites linked to Njáls saga near the South Coast.

Explore South Iceland by Area

The region breaks down into a few distinct areas, each with its own landscape and pace. Here's what to know about them before you plan a route.

1. The Golden Circle and the Southwest

The Golden Circle is the most accessible part of South Iceland from Reykjavík and brings together history, geothermal activity and one of the country’s best-known waterfalls. It works as a day trip, but staying in Selfoss or Hveragerði makes it easier to continue into the wider region.

• Best for: geothermal landscapes, history, shorter trips
• Main bases: Selfoss, Hveragerði
• Allow: 1 to 2 days
• Known for: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Reykjadalur

5. The Highlands and Inland Valleys

Choose this area if you prefer several days of hiking instead of driving between attractions. Most places require walking or a suitable vehicle and are only accessible during the summer. Most Highland roads are closed through winter, so independent access is generally limited to the summer season.

• Best for: hiking, remote scenery, multi-day trips
• Main bases: Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk
• Allow: 2 or more days, summer only
• Known for: the Laugavegur trail, colorful mountain landscapes

Ways to Experience South Iceland

South Iceland offers experiences for different interests, activity levels, and seasons. Here's a quick look at what each type of experience involves, helping you choose the right activities for your trip.

Geothermal bathing

Choose geothermal bathing for a relaxing break between drives and outdoor activities. Hike to the Reykjadalur hot river for an active outing or visit the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir for easier access. The same geothermal heat also supports greenhouses across the region.

Glacier experiences

Glacier activities offer a close look at one of the region’s defining landscapes. Join a guided glacier hike or ice cave tour for an active experience. Visit Jökulsárlón to see floating icebergs without walking on the glacier.

Hiking

Hiking lets you explore landscapes that cannot be reached from the road. Options range from short waterfall walks to the multi-day Laugavegur trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Longer routes are generally only accessible during the summer.

Volcanic landscapes

Visit the volcanic areas to understand how eruptions have shaped both the land and local communities. On Heimaey, you can see the effects of the 1973 eruption and learn how residents responded.

Coastal communities

Visit Höfn and Vestmannaeyjar to experience the region’s fishing culture and everyday coastal life. Their working harbours add a cultural dimension that beaches and sea stacks alone cannot provide.

Getting Around South Iceland

• By car: Route 1 is the main road through the region, with paved access to the Golden Circle and most major South Coast stops.
• By tour: Day tours and multi-day tours connect Reykjavík with many major attractions.
• By public transport: Bus services connect larger towns, though schedules are more limited outside the summer season.
• Westman Islands: Ferries usually depart from Landeyjahöfn, with Þorlákshöfn used when conditions require an alternative route.
• Highlands: Access is seasonal, and many routes require a suitable 4x4 vehicle.

Where to Base Yourself in South Iceland

Choosing a base depends on which part of the region you plan to explore. Each town below works well for a different stretch of the route.

• Selfoss and Hveragerði suit travellers focused on the Golden Circle
• Hella and Hvolsvöllur sit between the Golden Circle and the western South Coast
• Vík breaks up the drive east and sits close to Reynisfjara
• Kirkjubæjarklaustur works well as a bridge between the South Coast and Skaftafell 
• Höfn suits travellers continuing on towards Jökulsárlón and East Iceland
• Heimaey suits those spending extra time in the Westman Islands

When is the Best Time to Visit South Iceland?

The region is open all year, though each season changes what you can do and see. Here's what to expect in each one.

1. Spring (March to May)

Days get noticeably longer through March and April, though Iceland's Highland mountain roads stay closed through spring. Popular routes like Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar typically don't open until mid to late June.

The main Golden Circle and South Coast routes usually remain accessible by paved roads, though weather can affect driving conditions. It's worth taking time to plan your visit to Iceland in spring and see where the snowmelt waterfalls are running highest.

2. Summer (June to August)

Iceland in summer brings close to 24 hours of daylight in June and access to more roads and hiking trails, including routes into Þórsmörk and the Highlands. This is also when Highland F-roads typically open, usually from mid-June, depending on conditions.

3. Autumn (September to November)

September and October bring shorter days and cooler temperatures. Longer hours of darkness also create more opportunities to see the Northern Lights in Iceland when skies are clear. Seasonal roads and some tour operators begin scaling back services as winter approaches.

4. Winter (December to February)

Daylight drops to around four to five hours in December, and snow or ice can close roads or delay travel with little notice. Winter activities in Iceland, such as northern lights tours and guided ice cave explorations, fill the season, though both require checking conditions and booking with certified operators.

Travel Safely and Responsibly

Weather, road and coastal conditions can change quickly in South Iceland, particularly in winter and along exposed stretches of the South Coast. Check current conditions before travelling and follow local safety guidance at individual sites.

• Check road and Iceland's weather conditions before setting out
• Stay behind marked barriers and warning signs
• Never walk onto a glacier without a qualified guide
• Keep well back from the water at Reynisfjara, never turn your back on the sea, and follow the warning lights.
• Stay on marked paths and avoid walking on moss
• Park only in designated areas, and never stop on the road for photos

Plan Your Trip to South Iceland

South Iceland can work as a short extension from Reykjavík or as a multi-day journey in its own right. The Golden Circle and western South Coast suit shorter visits, while travellers continuing to Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Vestmannaeyjar or the Highlands should allow more time. Use the guides below to explore individual areas, routes and attractions in more detail.

Find out more on Visit South Iceland